Hair curler



Nov. 6, 1956 J. v. PORTELL 2,769,449

HA IR CURLER Filed Aug. 18, 1955 INV EN TOR.

ate/v55 BY HAIR CURLER James Vincent Portell, Washington, D. C.

Application August 18, 1953, Serial No. 374,982

6 Claims. (Cl. 13242) This invention relates to apparatus used for curling hair, and particularly to a new and improved hair curler for imparting pin curl waves to hair.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a hair curler in which a natural looking, more perfect pin curl will be obtained than has been possible with previous devices used by beauticians or used for home permanents.

In making a pin curl, it is essential that a uniform winding of a segment of hair be obtained without the use of sharp unsymmetrical bends. Many previous curlers, due to their construction, and the manner in which they must be used, produce sharp bends or twists somewhere along the curl. As a result, the curls which are obtained with these previous devices are not true symmetrical curls, but always show, at some point, an unsatisfactory twist. Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a pin curler in which a uniform symmetrical wave is possible.

A pin curler must be compact, must not occupy a comparatively large amount of space when adjacent the scalp, and furthermore the curler must lie closely adjacent the scalp during application of the waving chemicals and the actual forming of the wave. Also, if the curler is not securely fastened in position when the Wave is formed, it may slip or dangle from the scalp, in either case, resulting in an imperfect curl. Therefore, another object of this invention is to provide a curler which can be readily securely positioned closely adjacent the scalp during forming of the wave.

A further object of this invention is to provide a pin curler having a circular base with a stem around which hair is to be wound with a simple means for securing the curler in position on the head during the application of cold Waving chemicals. The base is adapted to lie against the scalp and position the curl at right angles thereto. According to the invention the curler has passageways or slots facilitating proper wetting of the hair. In addition, the base is provided with a reservoirlike formation for retention of fluids in proximity with the hair particularly at the base of the curl.

A factor often leading to unsatisfactory results in waving hair with prior known devices is that papers, for enclosing the hair, must be used. The papers are clumsy to handle, require considerable care in using and often prevent thorough application of chemicals to the hair. Papers were necessary to retain the hair in position, and particularly so where a relatively large segment or lock of hair is placed on each curling device. Such papers are unnecessary with my invention.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a curler upon which hair is to be Wound with means for insuring complete and adequate soaking of the wound hair with the waving chemicals. It is obvious that all portions of the curl must be properly wet to obtain a permanent set.

These and other objects and advantages will become Patented Nov. 6, 1956 nited States Patent 0 Ice 2769449 apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a pin curler constructed in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the curler of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure l and showing a curl securing means in position on the curler.

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the manner in which the curl securing means illustrated in Figure 3 is utilized.

Figure 5 is a perspective view showing curlers in position during waving. Each curler is shown to have a lock of hair wound thereon. The term lock refers to a group of hairs from a common section of the scalp, and

Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a completed wave resulting from positioning the curlers as shown in Figure 5.

The same reference characters are utilized in the several views to indicate the same parts.

Referring now particularly to the drawings, the curler comprises a substantially circular base 10. The base is relatively thin in vertical cross section as compared with its longitudinal dimensions when viewed as in Figure 2. The base has a generally flat lower surface 12 and a generally convex or dished shaped upper surface 14. The medial point 16 of the upper surface is closer to the lower surface than the outer perimeter 18. Central column element 20 is secured to the upper surface of the base and extends substantially normal thereto. The column element projects upwardly from the base and has a longitudinal opening at both ends. Opposed slots 26, 28 and 30, 32, are formed longitudinally of the column, and form passageways from the exterior surfaces thereof into the inner central chamber. The slots lead downwardly from the top of the columns a substantial distance. As shown, the slots extend below the longitudinal medial point of the column. Element 20 serves as a spindle around which a lock of hair is wound.

The base 10 is provided with a central opening 34 in alinement with one open end of the chamber 22. The base is provided with opposed slots 36, 38, 40 and 42, which are in angular or radial alinement with slots 26 to 32. Each of the slots 36 to 42 is defined in part by a beveled inwardly and upwardly extending surface 44. Equally spaced projecting lugs 46 forming upstanding projections are formed intermediate the slots 36 to 42, and are equally spaced angularly around the base.

A resilient tensionable element 48, which, for example may be formed of rubber, is positioned within the opening 34. One end of the element is enlarged as shown at 50, as by a knot, to limit the downward movement of the elastic element, although this element can be removed upwardly through column element 20 to be replaced, if necessary. The resilient element 48 is of a size such that it can enter between the spaced legs defining slots 36 to 42, and also between the portions of the columns defining slots 26 to 32. The freely pivotal fit between opening 34 and element 48, facilitates positioning of the element in any group of aligned slots although, obviously, such pivotal movement is not essential. The elastic element is preferably of a size such that a frictional engagement will be had between the elastic and the sides of the slots 26 to 32, when the elastic is positioned as shown in Figure 4, for example. The bobby pin 52 seen in Figures 2 and 5 frictionally engage the base 10. The pin is positioned intermediate the column 29 and a pair of upstanding lugs 46. Thus the pin will not accidentally disengage from the base. This prevents unwinding of the curl,

I slipping of the curler from position, etc.

- Figure 4 illustrates the manner in which a curl'is formed. It is seen that the end of a section of hair is placed adjacent the column and the section is wound thereon until the base reaches the scalp, at which point the. elastic element 48 is swung up, and over into the slots formed in the column 20. Also at this time the bobby pin 52, see Fig. 2, is inserted overthe base and over the portion of the section of hair remaining between the base and the scalp.

Thus the hair is secure in position around the perimeter of the column and the curler is securely positioned with respect to the scalp. This prevents undesirable relative movement between'the curls and/ or scalp when the wav-v ing materials are applied and working. I v

.' Figure 5 illustrates a group of curlers A, B, C, in posi- 'tion, and Figure 6 shows a wave formed in part by positioning the curlers as shown in Figured; The wave of Figure 6 is formed directly from the operations illustrated in part in Figure 5. After the hair has'been set, the curlers are merely slipped out of each pin curl and the wave is formed. There is no need to reset the wave as with previously known devices. The curlers can be-made of small size because of their unitary construction and because they do not embody special fastening means or movable parts, which limit the size. Thus, even the smallest curl can be formed directly.

Figure 5 also shows how the curlers can be supplied with home wave kits. Three or more groups: of curlers each of a different size can be provided together with diagrammatic instructions such as indicated by Figure 5. Thus one can place the curlers in sizes indicated at proper locations and attain a home wave by direct application of solutions without resetting.

The effectiveness of the concave depression is obvious. Even Where'the curlers lie adjacent the side of thehead the concave depression tends to form a reservoir for fluid 7 adjacent the base of the :curl. This insures a more thorough wetting than previously obtainable. The slots 26 to 32also contribute to effective application of the chemicals.. a

An important feature of my invention is that the curler is always properly positioned adjacent the scalp and with respect to the curl no matter where the curl is started on the perimeter of the column. Yet this is accomplished without the userof special slots, rotatable columns and costly and otherwise undesirable special fastening means.

By employing the elastic fastening means 48 the curler is V fastened in position no matter at what point the base Furthermore, the curl is perfectly meets the scalp. formed without kinks, etc.. The elastic element firmly holds the curler in position, yet does not compress the curl.

It will be seen that after the curling operation has been 7 completed it is only necessary to remove the bobby pin 52, remove the elastic element from the slots in the column and slip the curler out from the hair ringlet. The curl will then be in its completed form.

I said base having a central opening extending therethrough engagement with said base intermediate said column and at least two of said projections, and a resilient tensionable element removably retained in said column and extending downwardly through said base and being capable of being" positioned in said slots in said base and having frictional engagement with said slots in said column.

2. A curler comprising a substantially circular base having a lower surface and an upper surface, a central column'positioned on said upper surface and extending outwardly therefrom, said column havinga longitudinal centralrchamber opening at both ends, slots extending through said column from the outside to'said' chamber,

in alinement with one opening in said chamber, said base having slots formed in the outer perimeter, a tensionable element retained in said column and extending downwardly through the opening in said base, said element being receivable in the slots in said base and the slots in said column, means forming spaced projecting elements. adjacent the outer perimeter of said base, and a clamping device removably in clamping engagement with said base intermediate said column and at least one of said projecting elements.

3. A curler comprising a generally circular base having a concave upper surface, a column extending upwardly from-said upper surface, said column being substantially hollow and having open ends, means forming slots in said column extending from the exterior to the hollow interior thereof, said slots extending from the upper end of said column'downwardly a substantial distance along said colmum and being of a length sufficient to subject a roll of hair mounted on said column to the action of fluid supplied to said hollow interior along a substantial distance of said eolumn, means forming an opening in said base 7 alined with the open ends of said column, a retaining element secured by the said column and extending downwardly through the opening in said base, said retaining ele- V ment being extendable upwardly alongside said base and said column and being frictionally engageable in selected ones of said slots to retain a roll of hair on said curler.

4. A curler comprising a base member having a gen- 7 erally flat lower surface, a hollow spindle for winding While I have shown and described a preferred form of 7 my invention, it will be understood that variations in details of form may be made without departure from the invention as defined in the appended claims. a

: I claim: f e

.lpA curler comprising a'substantially circular base having a generally flat lower surface and a generally concolumn having a longitudinal central chamber open at.

cave upper surface with the medial point of said'upper V surface. being closer to the lower surface than 'the outer perimeter thereof, a central column positioned on said upper surface and extending upwardly therefrom, said both ends,'oppos'ed slots extending through'said column frorn'the outside to said chamber, said base having a cen tral opening extending therethrough in alignment with one open end of said chamben said base having slots formed in the outer perimeter each of the latter slots being in sub- 7 stantial alignmentwith one of the first mentioned slots,

a lock of hair thereon extending outwardly from said base member on the side opposite said lower surface,

said spindle having open ends, an elastic element, means securing one end of said element in said' spindle, said elastic element extending through said 'base member,

means forming a slot in said spindle extending from the exterior to the hollow interior thereof and from one endof said spindle toward said base member, said slot 7 being of a length" along said spindle suflicient to subject a roll of hair mounted on said spindle to the action' of fluid within said spindle for afsubstantial distance along 7 said spindle, said elastic element being extendable up- .wardly alongside said base member and along said spindle and being frictionallyremovably restrainable in said slot.

5. 'A curler comprising a spindle having ahollow in-.

ter-ior and open ends, said spindle being adapted tohave a lockoif'hair wound thereon,'slots formed in said spindle extending from the outside to the hollow interior of said spindle, said slots each being formed in part at least 7 by spaced opposed walls and extending along said spindle'a substantial distance, said slots serving to facilitate application of fluid to a lock of hair wound on said spindle, a base member connected to said spindle, said 7 basemember extending laterally of said spindle and serv-. ing as a support therefor, means forming an opening in 1 means forming spaced upstanding projecting elements ad-' ja cent the outer perimeter of. said base intermediate the slots thereon, a clamping device removably in clamping frictional engagement with the said walls of one of said slots, said element being removable from said curler through the other open end of said spindle.

6. A curler comprising a substantially circular base having a lower surface and an upper surface, a central column positioned on said upper surface and extending outwardly therefrom, said column having a longitudinal central chamber opening at both ends, slots extending through said column from the outside to said chamber, said base having a central opening extending therethrough in alinement with one opening in said chamber, said base having slots formed in the outer perimeter, a tensionable element retained in said column and extending downwardly through the opening in said base, said element being receivable in the slots in said base and the slots in said column, means forming a projecting element projecting outwardly from said base and defining a surface facing said column, said surface being spaced from said column to receive a clamping device between said column and said element in clamping engagement with said base and adapted to secure said base and said curler to hair adjacent the head of a subject on whom the curler is used.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,396,782 Grant Mar. 19, 1946 2,589,832 Lowenstein Mar. 18, 1952 2,608,978 Solomon Sept. 2, 1952 2,619,095 Forcey Nov. 25, 1952 2,652,840 Isaacs et al Sept. 22, 1953 

